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Robotic kitchens, restaurant tech, and fast-casual's future with Sweetgreen's Jonathan Neman | E1910

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Mar 7, 2024

Guest

Jonathan Neman

Jonathan Neman, co-founder and CEO of Sweetgreen, dives into the future of fast-casual dining and restaurant tech. He discusses what makes a strong manager and the complexities of choosing between franchise and owner-operated models. Neman also explores the exciting role of robotics in restaurants, highlighting innovations that streamline operations while preserving quality. With insights into Sweetgreen's journey and commitment to healthier offerings, this conversation sheds light on the evolving landscape of the food industry.

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INSIGHT

Tech's Impact on Experience

Technology improves both customer and team member experience.
It streamlines ordering, food assembly, and other processes for better hospitality.

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ADVICE

The X-Factor in Restaurants

Prioritize hiring managers who genuinely care about hospitality.
Great managers build stable teams, boost productivity, and cultivate a positive work environment.

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ANECDOTE

Inspiration from 'The Bear'

Jonathan Neman had his team read "Unreasonable Hospitality" and watch "The Bear" episode five, 'Forks'.
This episode emphasizes the importance of care and detail, even in seemingly menial tasks.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Evolving Dining: Technology and Hospitality

02:25 • 8min

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The Intersection of Culinary Passion and Technology in Dining

10:06 • 2min

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Passion Meets Purpose in Hospitality

12:03 • 6min

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Balancing Quality and Scale in the Restaurant Industry

18:31 • 4min

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Revolutionizing Restaurants with Robotics

22:06 • 7min

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Revolutionizing Food Prep with Automated Precision

29:30 • 2min

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Revolutionizing Restaurant Operations with Technology

31:21 • 17min

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Evolving Healthy Dining

48:39 • 15min

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Transforming the Food Supply Chain through Technology and Real Food

01:03:26 • 4min

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Unreasonable Hospitality

The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect

Will Guidara

In 'Unreasonable Hospitality,' Will Guidara shares his experiences as the General Manager of Eleven Madison Park and The NoMad, highlighting the importance of hospitality in any business. The book emphasizes that simply offering a great product is not enough; organizations must also focus on creating authentic connections and memorable experiences for both customers and employees. Guidara provides practical advice on setting expectations, managing teams, and adapting to unexpected situations, all while maintaining a commitment to hospitality that goes beyond mere service. His approach is applicable across various industries, not just limited to restaurants and luxury businesses.

Wheat Belly

Lose the Wheat, Lose the Weight, and Find Your Path Back to Health

William Davis

In this book, Dr. William Davis argues that wheat is the single largest contributor to the nationwide obesity epidemic and that its elimination is key to dramatic weight loss and optimal health. He provides a user-friendly, step-by-step plan to navigate a new wheat-free lifestyle, supported by cutting-edge science and nutrition, as well as case studies from patients who have experienced significant health improvements after giving up wheat. The book exposes the harmful effects of modern wheat and offers practical advice on how to adopt a wheat-free diet to achieve better health and disease resistance.

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Todays show:

Jason is joined by sweetgreens’ Jonathan Neman to discuss: the x-factor that makes a strong manager (7:36). deciding between the franchise model vs owned and operated (16:02), robotics in the restaurant industry (24:23), and more!

Timestamps:

(0:00) Jonathan joins Jason.

(2:30) The scale and innovation of sweetgreen today

(7:36) The x-factor that makes a strong manager

(10:05) Wistia - Try Wistia for free at http://www.wistia.com/startups

(12:31) The “Sweetlife” and the importance of “polishing forks”

(16:02) Navigating the decision between the franchise model vs owned and operated

(18:30) CLA - Get started with CLA's CPAs, consultants, and wealth advisors now at https://claconnect.com/tech

(24:23) Robotics in the restaurant industry

(29:28) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist

(30:33) The details and benefits of the machines Sweetgreen has brought into its restaurants.

(37:15) Restaurant difficulties with inflation, COVID and “sticker shock”

(38:46) Delivery in the business today pre and post-pandemic

(45:10) How Australia fits into the origin of sweetgreen

(48:01) The best way to build a brand

(52:28) The seed oil conversation

(45:53) sweetgreen is positioned towards tailored menus.

(1:01:12) The challenging topic of food options and availability across different socioeconomic groups.

(1:05:58) The definition of healthy food

LINKS:

Check out sweetgreen: https://www.sweetgreen.com/

Watch The Founder (2-16): https://www.amazon.com/Founder-Michael-Keaton/dp/B01MY7FSMF

Watch our Business Breakdown of the film The Founder: https://youtu.be/kYqzEEFU_nw

Watch The Bear: https://tv.apple.com/ca/show/the-bear/umc.cmc.javg04xbn3eonbgfvnaqmodk

Check out Unreasonable Hospitality: https://www.unreasonablehospitality.com/

Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp

Follow Jonathan:

X: https://twitter.com/JonnyNemo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-neman-9a28aa8/

Follow Jason: X: https://twitter.com/Jason LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

Thank you to our partners:

(10:05) Wistia - Try Wistia for free at http://www.wistia.com/startups

(18:30) CLA - Get started with CLA's CPAs, consultants, and wealth advisors now at https://claconnect.com/tech

(29:28) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist

Great 2023 interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

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